Cameroon archbishop calls same-sex marriage crime against humanity

YAOUNDE, Dec 25 (Reuters) - One of Cameroon's most seniorChristian leaders on Tuesday called same-sex marriages a "crimeagainst humanity", ramping up anti-gay rhetoric in the CentralAfrican state.

As in most African nations, homosexuality is illegal inCameroon. But a number of incidents have highlighted the clashbetween a largely conservative culture backed by draconian lawand youth for some of whom it is less of an issue.

"Marriage of persons of the same sex is a serious crimeagainst humanity," Victor Tonye Bakot, Roman Catholic Archbishopof Yaounde, told followers at Christmas Day mass.

"We need to stand up to combat it with all our energy. I amparticularly thankful to our local media that has been spreadingthis message of it as a criminality against mankind."

The comments follow a three-year jail sentence handedearlier this month to 32-year-old Jean-Claude Roger Mbede, whowas found guilty of homosexual conduct because he sent a textmessage to another man telling him he loved him.

At least 12 people were convicted this year of being gay inCameroon, where jail terms range from six months to five years.

Other African countries have seen fierce debate overanti-gay measures, which are often popular in societies wherehomosexuality is largely taboo but have drawn criticism fromrights groups and threats of aid cuts from donors.

Ugandan politicians are seeking to pass an anti-gay law thatinitially sought the death penalty for homosexuals before it waswatered down in the faced of opposition.

Meanwhile, earlier on Tuesday the Roman Catholic Church'sleader in England and Wales, Archbishop of Westminster VincentNichols, said the government's plans to allow gay marriage werea "shambles" and had no mandate.